2025 Summer Orientation Workshop Presentations (International Center)

Pamela Bogart from the U-M English Language Institute (ELI) invites you to a Zoom conversation to learn about ELI courses and other resources to support undergraduate students who speak English as an additional language. 

ELI offers credit-bearing academic English courses (free to full-time students) to support you through all stages of your academic career. ELI classes are small, interactive, and provide students with extensive one-on-one feedback. 

In addition, the ELI also offers one-on-one speaking and writing support, opportunities for informal language practice, and one-time workshops. 

ELI can help you communicate effectively and excel in your coursework and research. We look forward to meeting you!

Pamela Bogart from the U-M English Language Institute (ELI) invites you to a Zoom conversation to learn about ELI courses and other resources to support graduate students who speak English as an additional language. 

ELI offers credit-bearing academic English courses (free to full-time students) to support you through all stages of your academic career. ELI classes are small, interactive, and provide students with extensive one-on-one feedback. 

In addition, the ELI also offers one-on-one speaking and writing support, opportunities for informal language practice, and one-time workshops. 

ELI can help you communicate effectively and excel in your coursework and research. We look forward to meeting you!

This presentation will provide detailed information on how to use the University's required health insurance for international students and scholars (the International Student/Scholar Health Insurance Plan). You will learn how and where to obtain medical treatment if needed, and how understanding your health insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses.

Join us for an interactive session with a psychologist from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) as we explore what stress really is and why it’s so common for college students - especially those studying far from home. You’ll hear about challenges international students often face, learn how to recognize and talk about mental health concerns, discover practical tools to manage stress, and find out about resources available to help you thrive at U-M.

If you are a new Graduate Student Instructor (GSI), Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA), or a student whose fellowship includes GradCare insurance, attend this workshop for an introduction to how the GradCare insurance plan works. The session will cover how to select and use your insurance plan, highlight important deadlines, and explain the valuable coverage and benefits you receive as a GSI or GSRA. Insurance can be confusing, so take this opportunity to learn and get your questions answered.

This workshop is co-sponsored by the Benefits Office.

Moving away from home as an international student is exciting but also challenging. In this interactive workshop, we will discuss culture shock and how to adjust to cultural differences you may encounter while in the U.S.Students will be encouraged to share their questions and own experiences. 

This presentation will provide detailed information on how to use the University's required health insurance for international students and scholars (the International Student/Scholar Health Insurance Plan). You will learn how and where to obtain medical treatment if needed, and how understanding your health insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses.

The University Health Service (UHS) is the campus health clinic for members of the University of Michigan community. In this session, you’ll learn about the many services offered by UHS and how you can take advantage of them! This session will be presented by the Medical Director of the University Health Service. You can expect the presentation to last approximately 30 minutes, followed by 15 minutes reserved for your questions.

Every country has norms for what is acceptable and unacceptable, and similarly for what is legal and illegal in that particular country. This session will offer important information on what is and is not permitted in the United States. Learn this information now; don’t risk being embarrassed, or even fined or arrested! 

The session will also include a brief overview of landlord-tenant law, including information about what your landlord is and is not permitted to do, and your rights and obligations as a tenant. Avoid possible problems and prepare for a good relationship with your landlord by learning this important information now.

This workshop is presented by Student Legal Services (SLS).

Moving away from home as an international student is exciting but also challenging. In this interactive workshop, we will discuss culture shock and how to adjust to cultural differences you may encounter while in the U.S.Students will be encouraged to share their questions and own experiences. 

This workshop is designed for all U-M international students who will work for U-M, and for students who will receive fellowships that pay for living expenses (not just tuition.)

Before you start work, you will be asked to fill out a number of forms, including Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form W-4, State of Michigan Form W-4, the ""Alien Certificate"", and perhaps other forms if your country has a tax treaty with the United States.

During this workshop, a representative from the U-M Payroll Office will explain how to fill out these forms so that you can be sure you are filling them out correctly. The Payroll Office representative will also explain the tax-related documents that you as a U-M employee can expect to receive from the Payroll Office and when you can expect to receive them. The workshop will conclude with a brief introduction to the ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and an explanation of who does and does not need to apply for the ITIN.

This workshop is presented by the Payroll Office.